Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 04, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Michele Varricchio
Observers: Jim Funk, Jim Hartley, Makayla Hernandez, Megan Johnson
Visitors: 149 visitors to the South Lookout. Veteran observers Jim Funk and Megan Johnson were all day counters. Also, 'Eagle Jim' Hartley, Bernie and Dawn joined us for the morning. Also the son of August Sexauer, a 1970-80's counter observed in the afternoon.
Weather: Sunny skies with few clouds; temps warmed from 59-82F. Winds variable and calm and largely from the West. Low clouds along South Mountain remained on the southern horizon until the afternoon. A few high wispy clouds mid afternoon.
Raptor Observations: One Adult Bald Eagle 1049. The Red Tail observed in the afternoon in and around the bowl had unusual dark coloration.
Non-raptor Observations: An injured Black Rat snake was our mascot for the day. The snake was observed sun bathing when I arrived at the South Lookout. Megan Johnson rescued him after finding a significant laceration on its lower half. The cut was infested with a spider web and other insects. At the end of the day, Megan Johnson transported the snake to a rescue center for medical treatment. During the day, many visitors had the opportunity to meet the snake. Also, two Praying Mantis, a Walking Stick, and general Stink Bug lallapalooza visited the Lookout. Other species observed:American Crow; Pigeon(4); Red-breasted Nuthatch; Northern Parula; Red-Bellied Woodpecker; Blue Jay (34); Pine Warbler (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler. A flock, also known as an "unkindness" or"conspiracy" of 25 Common Raven migrated overhead.
Predictions: Another sunny day with few clouds; high 81F. Winds calm out of the South. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
